Comfort Inn, Dunn
The Comfort Inn at Dunn is on Bud Hawkins Road and about 30 miles away from Fort Bragg, and is just few miles from the General William C Lee Airborne Museum and several golf courses. There hotel has many amenities including an outdoor swimming pool, room service, wheelchair access and family rooms and breakfast is included. A room with King Bed costs from just $89 USD per night and comes with air conditioning and cable TV.

Hampton Inn Hotel, Dunn
This hotel is just off the I-95 and close to more than seven stunning North Carolina golf courses and so is ideal for visitors who want to practise their game. This is also a great area for other outdoor sports such as hiking, fishing and biking and the North Carolina Hills are a haven for native plants, birds and other wildlife. Also nearby is the General William C Lee Airborne Museum and there are a wide variety of shops and restaurants within a short drive. The Hampton Inn offers some excellent amenities including 120 guest rooms, onsite fitness centre, pool, laundry service and high speed Internet access. This hotel also has a number of facilities for business travellers including meeting rooms, printing services, audio visual equipment rental, fax and express mail. You can get a King Bed room in the Hampton Inn Hotel costs from around $119 per night and this comes with cable television, radio alarm clock and private bathrooms.

Holiday Inn Express, Dunn
The Holiday Inn Express is located conveniently just off of I-95 and Hwy 421 and is close to Raleigh, Fayetteville, Selma and Lillington. There are a number of facilities for business travellers including wireless Internet access, fax, computer, printer and a medium size meeting room that can seat up to 25 attendees. Rooms come equipped with hospitality benefits such as refrigerators and microwaves, and so is ideal for guests that intend a longer stay, and there is also an onsite health and fitness centre and laundry services. A room with King Bed is available from just $80.99 per night and this includes cable TV and a complimentary breakfast.

For the uninitiated, capsule hotels are hotels which resemble well, capsules. They are small, with limited facilities and yet desired by those travelers who are on a shoestring budget when visiting Japans. Also great for otakus, or Japanese fanboys, who are strapped for cash as the night before they attend huge conventions in the heart of Tokyo or any other city in the Land of the Rising Sun. Don’t be intimidated if you are planning to stay in one during your sojourn in Japan, check out some tricks and tips we prepared.

1. Counter your claustrophobia
Capsule hotels are cheap, but it comes with some setbacks and one of the major disadvantages include claustrophobia. Those who suffer from this condition should stay away from capsule hotels and bunk in with their friends in Japan or pay more for a budget hotel. For travelers who are slightly uncomfortable with tight spaces, it pays to focus on the task at hand when you’re in your cabin, and that is by sleeping the night away.

2. Boys only? We don’t think so
There is a misconception capsule hotels are only for males but nowadays more and more hotels catering to women travelers have popped up, such as the Akihabara Capsule Inn. Women traveling in groups can safely stay the night with their gal pals without worrying about drunken salarymen trying to proposition them.

3. Keep plenty of change
There are lots of vending machines in the vicinity of the capsule hotel so if you are hankering after a snack or a cold drink during warm nights, you can easily fulfill your desires with some coins. Otherwise, do ask the friendly staff behind the counter for some change.

4. Bring ear plugs
The walls between one capsule and the one next to it are SO THIN that you can hear people talk and snore. Bring ear plugs and use them when the snoring gets too unbearable.

5. Learn basic Japanese
It helps if you packed a small but handy Japanese dictionary in your belongings. This allows you to converse with the people running the capsule hotel and with people around you.

Traveling on a shoestring budget is great but sometimes, you feel the urge to splurge when you see how living in the lap of luxurious can give one so much pleasure. You don’t need to scrimp when you order at a classy restaurant and neither would you need to think twice before booking a suite at a luxury hotel. I would suggest balancing it out with your budget and see if it is feasible to travel in style based on your desired holiday destination. Take Malaysia for example. It’s an affordable place to travel so if you feel like splurging on luxury hotel stays, THIS is the place!

The Datai, Langkawi
Situated in Langkawi Island, this is a premier hotel built with luxury and service in mind. Whichever suites you happen to book, they will all feature a wide, spacious balcony that lets you take in a breath of clean, fresh air each morning and listen to the sounds of crickets as they lull you to sleep at night. You can also opt to stay in one of the four Pool Suites next to the Beach Club, which is only a stone’s throw away from the beach, allowing you a fascinating view of the sea and sand. Free-standing villas stood majestically in the lush tropical rainforest, giving you a green perspective of the wondrous flora and fauna. And who says you cannot mix business with pleasure? Business travelers will love the amenities at The Datai, Langkawi, especially its conference room that was built to accommodate 50 occupants. A must-experience is dinner under the stars in the rainforest pavilion canopy where you can savor deliciously authentic Thai cuisine!

The Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur
Arguably one of the best hotels in the Kuala Lumpur Golden Triangle area, the Mandarin Oriental is the closest hotel to the famous Kuala Lumpur City Center, housing the Petronas Twin Towers which were once deemed the tallest towers in the world. Interestingly, the hotel was named Best Hotel 2004 by Finance Asia Magazine and was awarded “World’s Best Hotel” by Forbes Traveler in the year 2008.

Rooms are spaciously opulent and one can choose to stay in rooms overlooking the sprawling 50 acre KLCC park or the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur. The Mandarin Oriental is also a perfect place to hold world class events and wedding dinners in their extravagant ballroom, deemed the largest pillar-less ballroom in the country.

Grand Millennium Hotel Kuala Lumpur
The Grand Millennium Hotel is one of the most exclusive and yet contemporary of its class. Featuring almost 500 guest rooms that are almost always occupied, the hotel offers world class restaurants, a cutting edge Spa and Fitness Center, and Executive Club. Bintang Walk, the main shopping and commercial hub in Kuala Lumpur is only a stone’s throw away.

Hanoi Elegance 4 Hotel
This boutique hotel was established just last year in 2008. Strategically situated in the middle of Hanoi Old Quarter, this hotel is a firm favorite amongst travelers all over the world. Don’t be surprised if you see that this hotel was built in a lot smaller than your expectations. What sets this hotel apart from the rest of its peers is that the service is unquestionable. Of course, the hotel itself comes with many amenities preferred by travelers but time and again, the Hanoi Elegance 4 Hotel has been praised for its diligent and genuinely caring staff. Based on reviews online, travelers love the conscientious customer service staff who took the trouble to prepare taxis upon their arrival or departure to avoid being scammed. The staff also took the initiative to recommend first time travelers places to visit and directions on how to best get there.

In short, this is the best hotel to go to if you want a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle, and if you want to enjoy true hospitality, Hanoi-style.

Rising Dragon II Hotel
Tucked away in a charming spot in the hub of Old Quarter, the Rising Dragon II Hotel is preferred for its strategic located. Those who love shopping and enjoying the warm sights and sounds of the outdoor market will definitely love the hotel for its close proximity to the main commercial spots in this part of town. Cafes, banks and drug stores litter the walk way while the Water Puppet Theater is only a stone’s throw away.

Reviews for the Rising Dragon II hotel were many, and glowing. Not only were the prices affordable, the customer service was only deemed impeccable. The staff are well educated in English and hospitality, easily putting travelers at ease with their friendliness and people skills.

Hanoi Legend Hotel
Also located in the Old Quarter, the Hanoi Legend Hotel may sound like a posh hotel but its staff is definitely superior to most, and are all down to earth people to add. Located a mere 50 meters from the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, one can literally bask in the beauty of the locale while staying in a great hotel. It is interesting to note that renovation for this hotel was recently completed and they now boast of new in-room furnishings and comfortable amenities, stretching your dollars even further!

Internet-savvy travelers will love the fact that the hotel staff will respond speedily to their email bookings and enquiries, sometimes as fast as 15 minutes after the first email is sent! Tours to Halong Bay can also be arranged at your convenience.

1. The Arun Residence
Located in the Old City, guests in this charming four-storey hotel can bask in the beautiful scenery of the Chao Phraya river at dawn or dusk. We think you’d also love having your meals at The Deck, the hotel’s French-Thai restaurant. Forget your alarm clocks, it’s more pleasant to wake up to the sounds of the nearby temple bells and the roosters crowing nearby.

2. The Baan Thai Wellness Retreat
Ever wondered what’s it like living in the ancient Ayutthaya kingdom? Now you can, if you are able to reserve one of the 21 rooms housed within 5 teak houses that made up The Baan Thai Wellness Retreat. Pay only USD$770 for a 3-night package inclusive of delectable Thai meals, spa treatment and cooking demonstration and you’ll realize that your experience will be worth much more than the dollars you paid! The hotel / wellness retreat comes with the works: outdoor massages, open air pavilion with sheer white curtains billowing in the wind, and hospitable Thai staff. You’ll also love suntanning by one of the 3 curved pools.

3. Luxx
Luxx is fast becoming a favorite with young travelers who want to bask in the exotic Thai experience without missing out on everyday necessities such as Wi-Fi and the Internet. Also great for budget conscious travelers who do not want to splurge on the nearby Metropolitan Hotel, because the Luxx is as good as the latter, perhaps even better! Where else can you get a suite with flat screen TV, home theater system and a super comfy sofa for only USD$120? The Luxx, that’s where!

1. Castle Leslie, Ireland
This ornate castle was build more than 3 centuries ago and belonged to the Leslie family ever since. Perfect for celebrities and those who are rich and famous, this 5-star retreat offers ideal solitude with the absence of the Internet, telephones and televisions. And if you have a craving for the supernatural, do ask to stay in the Norman Room, so called based on the name of the ghostly apparition that manifests from time to time. Don’t worry, he’s harmless, only known to haunt that particular room and appear to guests as a smiling entity.

2. Crescent Hotel, Arkansas, Unites States
The hotel itself was established in the year 1886 but due to financial problems, it was abandoned in the 1940’s. Several decades later, the new owners of the Crescent Hotel re-opened the grand Victorian structure in the year 1972. From then on, ghostly hauntings were so common that even the infamous Ghost Hunters team from the titular TV show deemed it fit to visit the hotel and conduct their investigations. During the course of their one night stay there, they captured a dark figure roaming the grounds with their infra red camera. So know you know the hotel has been given a seal of approval – for possibly America’s most haunted lodging establishment.

3. Hotel de Coronado, San Diego, United States
The Hotel de Coronado in San Diego bears two similarities to the Crescent Hotel featured above: it was also built in the 19th century and featured Victorian designs on its exterior facade. In the recent years, this hotel is well known amongst both locals and tourists as a premier Victorian beach resort AND a haunting hot spot after the spirit of one Kate Morgan was reported to roam the hotel grounds and especially room 302 in the year 1892. Why room 302, you ask? That’s because it was the room that she was supposed to meet and make up with her estranged spouse, Tom. Tom never did appear and her dead body appeared on the main hotel steps six days later, with a bullet wound on her head. As much as the locals would draw their own conclusions, the mystery was never solved…

4. The Langham Hotel, London
This hotel was established in the year 1865 and was deemed the first luxurious hotel in the London. The British Broadcasting Corporation were once owners of this opulent hotel in its heyday and although the hotel since retained its regality, it is now a famous site for ghost hunters and those who seek a paranormal thrill during their stay in London. It was said that Room 333 houses the most spiritual activity where a spirit dressed to the nines in Edwardian costume was said to have appeared out of thin air. Assorted ghosts such as a German soldier and the spirit of Napolean III has been seen in the compound.

5. Hollywood Roosevelt, California
This hotel is a historical landmark in the city of California, United States. Named after President Teddy Roosevelt, the hotel was built in the year 1927 and was situated most strategically across the street from the Chinese Theater, ensuring that the Hotel Roosevelt was never short of celebrities in its guest roster, especially the ghostly apparition of Marilyn Monroe who continued to haunt her favorite suite 1200 even after her death.

The idea of the revolving hotel solves the dream of the owners to give their guests a different view of the sea and the island of Solta in Croatia. The engineering of the structure will derive its DNA from the shipyards of Split.
The rotating portion of the hotel will be a 200 feet high 3-storey section which houses about 50 of their suites. The rooms will rotate 1.3 times everyday from their turntable middle concealed by a manmade lake.

The guests will be welcomed in a static hub which is about 72 feet across. The guests will then be led to an elevator which will take them to a walkway going to their accommodation on the rotating section.

According to the chief architect, Hywel Evans, the movement of the structure will be very slow and smooth that the guests staying in the spinning section will not be able to notice it.

Aside from the rotating hotel, the development will give way to a new marina, yacht club, villas, and guest pavilions.

The project was commissioned by the Croatian company The Profectus Group.

The Hotel Lucerne offers luxurious accommodation in the heart of one of Manhattan’s most sought after areas, the Upper West Side, and has a wonderful European style that offers spacious and modern rooms all housed in a historic building that dates back to 1904. The Lucerne offers the ideal base for both tourists and business travelers, and the luxurious rooms feature full size desks, high speed WiFi access, printing services and 24 hour room service. The hotel also has a renowned restaurant ‘Nice Matin’, which offers breakfast, lunch  and dinner, and is popular with both locals and tourists for its relaxing, sophisticated atmosphere and high class food and wine menus.

The Hotel Lucerne has an excellent reputation for service, which was recognized in a recent review by The New York Times’ which commended the service and proclaimed it to be ‘unrivalled’. Staff are courteous and accommodating and will make every effort to ensure that your stay is comfortable and your every need is met and the concierge service can take care of booking restaurants, shows, spa treatments and transportation for you. The Lucerne also has a stunning in house spa, which is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a hard day shopping and exploring the busy metropolis.

Things to do in Manhattan
The Hotel Lucerne is located just a short walk from nearby subway stations and from here it is easy to explore the rest of the city including the Lincoln Center, Times Square, Broadway and Columbia University. Within walking distance of the hotel are a number of classic Manhattan sights including Riverside Park, Central Park, Columbus Circle shopping district and the fabulous American Museum of Natural History, as well as many excellent restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. There are a number of popular activities in and around Manhattan including:

• Horse and Buggy Rides, Central Park – visitors to New York are always amazed at the sheer size of Central Park, a stunning green area right in the heart in the city, and there are several wonderful bridle paths and equestrian trails throughout the park and out into the sheltered, woody trails of Bronx Pelham Bay Park and Bronx’s Van Cortland Park. Central Park has a number of horse and buggies for hire around the perimeter all year long, and although this can be a bit pricy it is one of the traditional New York past times for both visitors and locals.

• Ice Skating – New York really comes alive in the winter and there a number of popular ice skating venues that open up during the chilly season. The Wollman Rink at Central Park and the Rockefeller Center Rink are particular favorites, and have a wonderful atmosphere especially around Christmas time. This is also one of New York’s cheaper activities as skate rental and entrance to the rinks come in at under $10 per person in most cases.

One of the most common digestive problems being diagnosed today is that of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat and grains. It is found in practically every loaf of bread and every grain of flour. Actually the entire population to some extent is gluten intolerant; however here are some unfortunate people that have serious reactions to it in any sort of substantial portion. Common symptoms of gluten toxin are headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea or other flu-like symptoms. There’s actually a quite serious condition known in America as Celiac disease that actually causes the body to temporarily lower its immunity to several viruses.

Living on a gluten free diet can either be one of the hardest and most frustrating regimes to stick with or it can be an exciting adventure into a largely undiscovered culinary world. However even veteran Gluten-free dieters can have a nightmare of a time trying to eat while on the go or traveling. Luckily with a little effort, planning and homework you don’t have to give up travel to stick t your diet and enjoy traveling to the fullest. Here are some quick tips to help you maintain a gluten free diet while traveling.  

Before leaving on your trip try posting in a gluten free message board there are dozens available online that could really help you not only with your travel problems, but can give you a lot of useful tricks and tips for maintaining and actually enjoying your gluten free diet.

You should try to call the airport or train depot you’ll be traveling and simply ask them if you can bring your gluten free snacks on your luggage with you. Some will allow it and others wont. You’ll never know unless you ask. Heck even if they say no it’s unlikely they’ll take it away if sneak a few crackers on the plane! If however you are traveling aboard make sure to check the local import laws to make sure you aren’t violating any rules by bringing foreign foods into the country.

One great way to avoid any dietary problems is to find a hotel that offers kitchenettes in the rooms. This way in a pinch you can always fix yourself something gluten free and tasty, without the hassle of finding vending machine that with gluten free options.

Following your gluten free required diet while on the go doesn’t have to be frustrating or difficult. After the first few trips, you’ll begin to get the hang of the preparation and planning and might even find a few hidden secrets to eating good and gluten free as well.

Beijing is where everything happens. It is China’s second largest city with 12 million sharing its vastness. Aside from hosting the Summer Olympics of 2008, Beijing is known for the best Peking Duck in the world. Who will not love the crispy skin and tender meat cooked in perfection? Of course there are the nearby Great Wall of China and the TianAnMen Square.

Where do you stay when you go to Beijing? The list of choices is getting longer as thousands of tourists visit the city every year.

Among the most popular hotels in Beijing is the Shangri La Hotel with their famous Chinese garden. There is also The Peninsula which is just a stone’s throw away from the forbidden city.

One of the oldest hotels in the metro is The Raffles Beijing which was built at the start of the twentieth century. If you are staying in the business district of Beijing, one of the top choices will be the five-star Swissotel Beijing-Hong Kong-Macau Center. Another luxurious place to stay in is the St. Regis Beijing.
Beijing, China offers a ton for tourists. It is really a bit difficult to pinpoint attractions you don’t want to miss. If you really have to get a list then you must not miss the Great Wall of China which is just an hour away. The Great Wall is the biggest man made structure today and considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

You can also go to the Forbidden City which served as home for the royalties of the Ming and Qing Dynasties of China. Do not miss the historic TianAnMen Square which homes museums and monuments to get a glimpse of China’s history and culture. You can also check out the Temple of Heaven.

Four thousand years of history. That may explain the richness of life and culture in Beijing China. Simply unmatched.

Here is a list of excellent hotels that might come handy for you:

The Regent Beijing

99 Jinbao Street , Dongcheng Dist
Beijing, China, 100005
+(86) 10-8522-1888

Regent Beijing Room

Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing

29 Zizhuyuan Rd, Haidian Dist
Beijing, China, 100089
+(86) 10-6841-2211

Shangri-la Hotel

JW Marriott Hotel Beijing

No 83 Jianguo Rd, Chaoyang District
Beijing, China, 100025
+(86) 10-5908-6688

The Ritz-Carlton Beijing

83A Jian Guo Road
Beijing, China, 100025
+(86) 10-5908-8888

Ritz Carlton Hotel Beijing

Raffles Beijing Hotel

33 East Chang An Ave
Beijing, China, 100004
+(86) 10-6526-3388

Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center

50 Liangmaqiao Rd, Chaoyang Dist
Beijing, China, 100016
+(86) 10-6465-3388

The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial St

1 Jin Cheng Fang St East
Beijing, China, 100032
+(86) 10-6601-6666

The Peninsula Beijing

8 Goldfish Lane, Wangfujing
Beijing, China, 100006
+(86) 10-8516-2888

Peninsula Hotel Beijing

The Westin Beijing Financial Street

9 Financial Street
Beijing, China, 100032
+(86) 10-6606-8866

Grand Hyatt Beijing

1 East Chang An Ave, Dongcheng Dist
Beijing, China, 100738
+(86) 10-8518-1234

Hyatt Hotel Beijing